Her Story
About Kristin
Kristin Nelson serves as an EHR Capability Leader at Kyndryl, where she works as a program director supporting Epic implementations, optimization, and ongoing system governance for healthcare clients, including a major engagement in Rhode Island. She began her career as a bedside occupational therapist after earning a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy, later completing a Master’s in Health Administration. Early in her clinical work, she recognized limited advancement opportunities in direct patient care and made a pivotal shift when she responded to an internal opportunity to join her organization’s emerging Epic electronic medical record initiative.
Starting as an Epic trainer and analyst focused on emergency department workflows, Kristin helped guide clinicians and physicians through the transition from paper-based documentation to digital systems. Over more than 20 years at Sanford Health, she advanced through progressive leadership roles including lead, manager, and director, ultimately overseeing clinical, revenue cycle, and ancillary Epic applications. At the height of her tenure, she managed large-scale operations spanning hundreds of applications and a workforce of up to 200 people, driving enterprise-wide implementations, governance models, and system optimization efforts across complex healthcare environments.
After more than two decades at Sanford, Kristin briefly served as Assistant Vice President at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center before transitioning into healthcare consulting with Kyndryl. In her current role, she continues to lead large-scale Epic programs, focusing on governance, implementation success, and long-term value realization for clients. She attributes her success to self-awareness, adaptability, and a continuous commitment to learning, and she values honesty and transparency in both her leadership style and personal life. Outside of her professional work, she is deeply involved in volunteer service through her church and places strong importance on family, relationships, and maintaining balance outside of her career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristin
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to learn, my self-awareness, and my openness to every opportunity presented to me. I approach each situation with a mindset focused on growth and learning. I am never afraid to admit when I do not know something or when I need clarification, because I believe asking questions is essential to understanding. By listening with the intent to learn, I have been able to build knowledge and apply it across different environments, even in areas where I did not initially have hands-on experience.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Every day is an interview.
I heard this in passing one day and once I really stopped to reflect on it, I realized just how true it is. Every conversation, every deliverable, every interaction creates an experience with another person, and only you can control if they remember that experience positively or not. You will forever be surprised at who knows someone who knows someone who knows someone... so, treat everyone with respect in every interaction you have.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to try everything and put themselves out there for every opportunity. I tell my own children that you never truly know what you are capable of until you try. It is easy to assume you are not qualified, but often you do not fully know what employers are looking for. I once heard that women tend to apply for jobs only when they meet most of the qualifications, while men often apply when they meet just a few. That idea has stayed with me. Experience and perspective matter, and confidence in your abilities matters just as much. While not every role will be the right fit for everyone, it is important not to limit yourself. If you want something, pursue it with confidence and give yourself the chance to grow into it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in healthcare IT is working within a predominantly male-led industry, even at senior leadership levels. In many cases, women are still working to have their voices fully recognized and respected as equal contributors. At times, it can be challenging to express opinions openly without being perceived through a biased lens.
At the same time, the opportunities in this field are tremendous. In areas such as electronic medical records and Epic systems, the possibilities for growth and impact are vast. There is a strong sense that the industry is constantly evolving, and there are always new paths opening. It is a field where you do not feel limited—there is always another door to walk through.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are honesty and transparency. I believe in being direct and truthful in communication, even when conversations are difficult. I value openness and respect in relationships, and I believe that if there is an issue, it should be addressed directly rather than discussed indirectly. I strive to model this approach both professionally and personally, and I try to instill the same values in my family.
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